This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
*Streaming audiences worldwide can now revisit the Pride Lands as “Mufasa: The Lion King” is now available on Disney+.
Directed by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins and featuring a fresh soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda—including the viral hit “I Always Wanted a Brother”—the film has roared its way to over $700 million at the global box office, securing its spot among 2024’s top 10 releases. Critics have hailed it as “adventurous” (USA Today), a “dazzling musical” (The Times), and “visually stunning” (Deadline Hollywood). Now, it joins the iconic “Lion King” franchise on Disney+, alongside “The Lion King” (1994), “The Lion King” (2019), “The Lion Guard,” and the recently-released “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl” concert special. .
In an exclusive interview, Kelvin Harrison Jr., who voices the complex and compelling Taka (later known as Scar), shared his excitement about the film’s home entertainment release and the unique journey of bringing this character to life. For Harrison, the transition to Disney+ feels like a full-circle moment for a story that bridges generations.
“Disney is the home for most of the kids,” he said. “It’s really cool to go to the theater and watch the movie… but for the home video watchers, this is for our kids to keep re-watching, like my godson’s watching right now. It’s always an interactive situation.”
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The home viewing experience offers something special for both new and returning fans.
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“We have the sing-along feature, which is really cool because they didn’t get to do that in a theater,” Harrison noted. “Now that everyone knows the music, that’s always fun—I personally love a sing-along feature. Then you can pause it, you can discuss it, you can ask more questions. I think there’s going to be more interaction with young people with the film.”
Special features also give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, a personal favorite for Harrison. For the actor, being part of a global phenomenon like “Mufasa: The Lion King” is a dream come true, especially considering he initially set his sights on a much smaller role.
“I remember when the 2019 version came out, and I was like, man, I really want to be in this movie. Can I be one of the hyenas?” he laughed. Instead, while filming Elvis in Australia, he received an unexpected email about auditioning for a mysterious project codenamed “Horatio”—a prequel featuring Mufasa and Taka. “I started dancing prematurely, and I didn’t even get the part yet!” he recalled. Landing the role of Taka, one of Disney’s most iconic villains, felt surreal. “To voice one of my favorite Disney villains of all time and bring a different aspect to him with this massive franchise is such a gift.”
What sets this prequel apart, Harrison believes, is its fresh take on leadership and personal growth. “The other one was about grief and how community helps us become our best selves,” he explained. “This one is a different coming-of-age story about earning our roles as leaders. Mufasa allowed the challenges to help him evolve into the man that he was, while Taka’s insecurity and inability to involve others in his journey held him back.”
The film’s tone and themes serve as a powerful lesson for young viewers about resilience, collaboration, and self-discovery. At the heart of Taka’s story, Harrison sees a universal message about communication—or the lack thereof.
“The less we communicate, the more room there is for misunderstandings,” he said. Taka’s strained relationships with his father, mother, and Mufasa stem from unspoken needs and assumptions, leading to tension and heartbreak. “Hopefully, it encourages people to say who you are, say what you need, say when you’re struggling,” Harrison reflected. “If they really love you, they’ll reveal if they’re going to support you. If they don’t, maybe they’re not here for you.”
As “Mufasa: The Lion King “settles into its new home on Disney+, Harrison’s pride in the project is palpable.
“Disney is a place I go to every year for my birthday… now I get to be part of that family,” he said. “It feels really special to be the face of something that’s really beautiful.”
Watch our full interview with Kelvin via the clip below.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Braelyn Rankins and Theo Somolu Share Excitement as ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Roars onto Disney+ | EUR Exclusive
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